Whale man: Mum thinks Iâm an idiot

Written By komlim puldel on Minggu, 02 November 2014 | 20.01

Sharks circle a whale carcass off the coast of Rottnest – at one point, a man was sitting on the creature. Picture: Seven NewsSource: Supplied

THE Perth man who risked his life diving into shark-infested waters to climb on to a rotting whale carcass says he won't do anything like it again and even his parents think he's an idiot.

Harrison Williams, of Quinns Rock, north of Perth, said: "I was out on the boat with the boys and one of my mates said it would be pretty funny to surf the whale so I did it."

The 26-year-old said he saw the sharks, including a massive great white, but they did not deter him from getting into the water.

"They were too busy chomping on the whale so it wasn't too bad," he said.

Mr Williams told Seven News it was not until he was on top of the whale that he realised the danger and stupidity of his actions.

"Definitely not (wouldn't do it again) ... I've done it, I don't need to do it again. Definitely it was a stupid act, didn't mean to disrespect anyone, mum thinks I'm an idiot, dad's not too proud either," he said.

Authorities reportedly won't fine Mr Williams because the whale was already dead and he did not remove any part of it.

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That same whale carcass has now washed up, forcing the closure of one the city's most popular beaches.

The carcass washed up on Scarborough Beach this evening, with about 10 big sharks part of the feeding frenzy lurking about 15 metres from shore.

It is up to the City of Stirling to remove the carcass, while a Surf Life Saving WA spokeswoman said the decision to close the beach would be reassessed tomorrow morning.

Surf Life Saving WA closed Scarborough Beach about 4.30pm today as the whale carcass had drifted within around 1km from shore.

The incredible photographs, taken by crew members on the Seven News helicopter, show a shirtless man sitting on the massive carcass as several other men watch on from a nearby boat.

Crew on the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter snapped photographs yesterday of two huge sharks feeding on the whale, which was floating in the ocean about three nautical miles northeast of Rottnest.

Mr Williams told the Daily Mail Online he was trying to help the whale but clearly he was too late.

It is not known if those photographs were taken before or after the man jumped on the carcass.

A Surf Lifesaving WA spokesman said the man was not on the whale carcass when the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter flew over it.

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Meanwhile, a bootcamp fundraiser will take place in Perth next Saturday for Sean Pollard, who lost both hands when he was attacked by a shark while surfing near Esperance.

One month after the attack, the 23-year-old Bunbury electrician is continuing his recovery from the traumatic injuries at Royal Perth Hospital. He has undergone multiple surgeries and the medical team has developed a recovery plan from each procedure, a message to his supporters said.

"What is aiding Sean's recovery is his physical fitness as a result of his healthy lifestyle and active sporting interests," a statement on Renegade Bootcamp's website states.

"However, his injuries are severe so there will be a long road ahead. Sean has said his first goal is to stand and receive a group hug from his family, such is the character of this remarkable young man."

The fundraiser will be held at Brighton Beach Reserve on Saturday, November 8. Check-in is at 8.30am, with the bootcamp from 9am-10am.

It costs $25 to take part, with all money going to Mr Pollard. For more information, go to renegadefx.com.au.